(Rome, Italy) The COREAM team of Fr. Zephirin (DRC) and Fr. Sean (South Africa) and Fr. Gerry ( Solidarity Office), along with the General Consultor from Africa and Madagascar, Fr. Nicolas (Niger) net with Fr. Joao Pedro (Angola) and Fr. Wilfred (Nigeria). Together this group make-up the Restructuring Commission for Africa and Madagascar. The Commission met in Rome from February 12th to 14th. The Commission immersed itself in the General Chapter 2016 documents, and Guideline Documents prepared by the General Government. Great efforts were made to identify Missionary Priorities for Africa and Madagascar. A detailed analysis of the wounds that impact the lives of the people of Africa and Madagascar was completed.
There was a strong sense of affirmative praise for the excellent pastoral work that Redemptorists offer to over 2 million people on a daily basis in Africa. Migrants and young people and people living on the peripheries of society and the margins of the Church began to emerge as missionary priorities. A detailed questionnaire was prepared for circulation to a Redemptorist Units in Africa to assess missionary dynamism and availability. The Commission will meet again in April in Nairobi to work on a draft plan for the July COREAM Assembly. The Commission is off to a good start, and are hopeful for the future. The Redemptorists are witnesses to the Redeemer in twelve countries in Africa and Madagascar. There is a dedicated commitment to be present to the wounds that impact families, communities, individuals and societies in Africa and Madagascar.
Fr. Gerry O’Connor, CSsR
